Findings from the 2026 Business Energy Census suggest energy is playing a more strategic role in customer decision-making. According to the report, developed by ENGIE with Energy Research Consulting Group (ERCG), 48% of respondents said energy has become more strategic for their customers over the past year, up from 38% in 2025.

That shift points to a more complex environment where pricing pressure, volatility, infrastructure constraints, and sustainability goals are increasingly influencing broader business planning. For many organizations, energy decisions now intersect with finance, operations, risk management, and long-term growth.

Based on 132 survey responses from energy aggregators, brokers, and consultants (ABCs) who work directly with customers across competitive energy markets, the annual report offers a data-backed view into how customer priorities are evolving.

Read the full 2026 Business Energy Census to explore the trends shaping energy strategy.